Dining Out

151 UNION SQUARE
This loft-style event center, restaurant and wine bar is housed in the historic Union Building in downtown Grass Valley and features lighter-fare entrees using local ingredients when available. The event center can accommodate parties up to 132. Local wines and microbrews on tap. Lunch Wed.-Mon. 12-5 p.m. Evening events listed on website.
151 Mill St., GV 205-9513 151UnionSquare.com

BEAR RIVER PASTA CO. offers fresh, homemade gourmet meals to eat there or take out. The selections include cheese ravioli, spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce, linguine and clams, stuffed shells and chicken parmesan, among others. There’s Italian and American juices and sodas, and bottled water. The store also offers multiple flavors of gelato. Mon.-Sat.10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
109 Bank St., GV 274-1760 BearRiverPasta.com

BRIARPATCH CO-OP NATURAL FOODS COMMUNITY MARKET
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: hot soups, entrees, salad bar, wraps, sandwiches, burritos, burgers and more. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, glutten-free and raw dishes using organic or natural ingredients. Open 7 days, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Breakfast Mon.-Fri., 7-10 a.m.
290 Sierra College Dr., GV. 272-5333 Briarpatch.Coop

CAFE ZORRO
A trattoria just off I-80 in downtown Loomis. The menu includes fresh seafood, Italian dishes, steak, chicken, pizza and salads. Cafe Zorro’s wine selection is varied and affordable. Craft brews are offered on tap. Owner Matt Williams is an Italian trained chef and wine connoisseur. The ambiance is casual, set with linens and local art hanging on the wall. A hidden gem. Open for Dinner, Tues.-Sat 5-8 p.m.
5911 King, Rd., Loomis. 916-660-1612 CafeZorro.com

CLUB 141
Intimate, comfortable location for private dining and events featuring “Jim Es” culinary talents. Menus from the simple to the superb from the area’s longest-running caterer. Cooking school too. Open 7 days a week by reservation.
141 E. Main St., GV. 273-3600 JimEsClub141.com

HAWKS RESTAURANT
Upscale gourmet dining in a sophisticated setting where warm California cuisine meets rich, modern elegance. Specialities like house-made tagliarini, crispy duck confit and slow-roasted short ribs are accompanied with locally grown produce of the highest quality. Happy Hour Tue.-Fri. 3-6 p.m. Serving Lunch Tue-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner Tue.-Thu. and Sun. 5-9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. until 10 p.m. Brunch 2nd Sunday monthly 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
5530 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay 916-791-6200 HawksRestaurant.com

HOOVER’S RESTAURANT
NATIONAL HOTEL
Menu ranges from soup, salad and sandwiches to steak, pasta and seafood in an authentic Victorian setting. Steak & Lobster special on Tuesday night. Full bar. Breakfast Sat. 8-11 a.m., Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. until 3 p.m., Dinner all week 5:30-9:30 p.m.
221 Broad St., NC 265-4551 TheNationalHotel.com

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Ike’s serves organic New Orleans style cuisine with an upbeat twist and something for everyone. Menu items include classics such as Jambalaya, including a vegetarian version; bumbo, blackened catfish and po’ boy sandwiches. Ike’s burgers also are famous, made from naturally raised beef. Open Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m-8 p.m., closed Tuesday.
401 Commercial St., NC. 265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com

KAIDO
A Japanese restaurant offering sushi as well as tempura. Specials like the Seven Samurai Sushi Roll, with seven different layers of fish, present feasts to the eyes and the taste buds. The chef’s focus is on keeping the food light and natural. Old Japanese movies on a screen serve as a backdrop to help set the mood. Wine and beer. Wed.-Sun. 5-9 p.m.
207 W. Main St., GV. 274-0144. KaidoSushi.com

KANE’S
Sophisticated down home comfort food. White tablecloths, but casual and elegant attire are welcome. Italian fare and creative specials such as seafood pasta. Heart healthy dishes. Free parking in the rear. Value specials 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. until 9:30 p.m.
120 E. Main, GV. 273-8111 KanesRestaurant.net

LAS KATARINAS
Traditional family recipies from Mexico but with Delia’s own unique touches. Each order is prepared fresh from scratch as received, including the sauces. No lard used. Specialities include carne asada and tinga. Though just a standard item, the Spanish rice is amazing with its unique flavorful zing. Loyal customers club. Beer and wine. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (closed Tues.), Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
311 Broad St., NC. 478-0275 LasKatrinas.com

LEFTY’S GRILL
Casual, white tablecloth dining in the heart of Nevada City’s historic district, owned and operated by two left-handed chefs, some of the area’s top talent. All dishes hand-prepared from scratch, with specialty dishes and unique sandwiches. Try the gourmet burger, award-winning grilled flatbread pizza or fresh seafood. Seasonal dinners. Lefty’s newly remodeled Back Room available for private functions. Beer and Wine. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
221 Broad St., NC. 265-1947. LeftysGrill.com

MARIA’S
Family style Mexican restaurant with traditional choices plus a range of new light fare. Maria always adds her own creative twists to old family recipies. Old favorites and new entrees like freshly roasted poblano chile enchiladas. Carry out and catering available. Full bar. Open daily. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
226 E. Main St., GV. 274-2040 Marias-GrassValley.com

MATTEO’S PUBLIC
“It’s pub-o-licious!” Family friendly eatery offers pub snacks to full entrees including Gnarly Garlic Fries, Wily Wonderful Wings, salad bar stocked with locally grown, organic items, fish and chips, Stinky Mac & Cheese, homemade desserts. Wine, specialty micro-brews. Rotating art exhibits. Live music Thurs.-Sun. Indoor and outdoor dining. Open for dining Tues.-Thurs., Sun. 11:30-9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. until 11 p.m. 300 Commercial St., NC. 265-0782 MatteosPublic.com

MONKEY CAT
One of the Sierra Foothills’ tastiest upscale bistros. The menu is varied and always offers fish, meat, poultry and pasta. At Monkey Cat you can plan to eat either inside the restaurant itself or in the outdoor patio which contains a bar. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30-2 p.m. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., 7 days a week. Dog friendly, Wi-fi accessible.
805 Lincoln Way, downtown Auburn. 888-8492 MonkeyCat.com

OLD 5 MILE HOUSE
Five minutes outside of Nevada City, this re-opened restaurant serves tasty roadhouse eats from around the world. House specialities: Argentine-style churasco-fired skirt steak, Tankara tandori shrimp, plus standbys like smoked ribs, grilled fresh veggie 3-cheese lasagna and pizzas from a stone hearth oven. Full bar with unique micro-brews. Live music Tues.-Thurs. Indoor and outdoor dining. Open Tues.Sun. 12-9 p.m. 18851 State Hwy. 20, NC. 265-5155 TheOldFiveMileHouse.com

SIMPLICITY BISTRO
Providing simple comfort food made from the heart with the freshest ingredients at reasonable prices. Enjoy specialties like Bistro Quiche, Bleu Apple Walnut salad or Soba
Noodle salad for lunch and Chicken Pot Pie, Burgundy Braised Beef or Veggie Lasagna for
dinner. Open Tues.-Sat., Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 5-10 p.m.
111 W. Main St., GV 205-9365 SimplicityBistro.vpweb.com

SOPA THAI
Family owned and operated restaurant. Authentic decor sets the mood. Patio dining available during the warmer weather. Extensive menu for entrees. The chef also prepares the level of spice to your taste, from Thai chili hot to mild. Favorite dishes include mango red curry and pineapple fried rice. 312-316 Commercial St., NC. 470-0101 Mon.-Sun. 12-9:30 p.m.; 720 Plumas St., Yuba City 790-7672 Mon-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. SopaThai.net

SUMMER THYME’S
Gourmet natural food restaurant specializing in bakery, deli and espresso. A warm place where friends gather to meet and enjoy healthy food and conversation. Order the awesome muffins en masse for meetings and special gatherings. Local artists rotate exhibits in their gallery. Check out the website for recipies. Music, Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
421 Colfax Avenue, GV. 273-2904 SummerThymes.com

TASTE OF THAI
Authentic cuisine prepared by a Thai-trained chef. The restaurant was named one of the
100 best Thai restaurants in the U.S. The food is flavorful and healthy with the freshest of ingredients (no msg). Take-out and catering. Wine and beer. Open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 4-9p.m.
204 W. Main St., Ste. 103, GV, 274-2968

TOFANELLI’S
California cuisine, Italian-inspired dishes and the tasteful kitchen artistry of owner/chef
Susie. Serving gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Enjoy excellent food featuring
fresh fish, lamb shanks, Italian meatloaf, prime rib on Tues., all-you-can-eat pasta Wed.-Thurs. Seasonal patio dining, plus an atrium and cocktail lounge with wine list. Open Mon.- Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. ‘til 10 p.m.
302 W. Main St., GV, 272-1468 Tofanellis.com

TRE PAZZI TRATTORIA
With a play on the name associated with the famed Medici family, tre Pazzi offers authentic trattoria style Italian meals in a casual, welcoming enviornment. House specialities include hand tossed pizzas, pasta dishes and traditional Italian chicken, lamb and veal entrees. Open Mon.Sat. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
928 Lincoln Way, Auburn 530-823-2994 TrePazzi.net